Beverage Packing System

ABSTRACT

A beverage packaging system that includes a plurality of beverage containers and a beverage container package. The plurality of beverage containers each includes a receptacle, a first beverage portion and a sealing lid. The first beverage portion is placed in the receptacle. The sealing lid releasably engages the receptacle to retain the first beverage portion in the receptacle. The beverage container package includes a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel and a first intermediate panel. The top panel extends between the first side panel and the second side panel. The first intermediate panel extends between the first side panel and the second side panel. The first intermediate panel is in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the top panel. The first intermediate panel has a plurality of first apertures formed therein. Each of the first apertures is adapted to receive one of the beverage containers.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from Application Ser.No. 61/501,903, filed Jun. 28, 2011, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to beverage packages and methods ofpackaging and preparing beverages. More particularly, the inventionrelates to mixes that are distributed in containers that may be used forpreparing and consuming beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is possible to completely prepare some beverages during themanufacturing process such that the beverages are ready to consume.However, other beverages exhibit enhanced characteristics if theingredients are mixed together proximate to when the beverages will beconsumed.

For example, maintaining the ingredients separate may prevent theingredients from interacting with each other and thereby spoiling tasteand freshness. Another benefit of mixing the ingredients togetherproximate to when the beverage is to be consumed is that this processenables the ingredients to be mixed together in proportions that arepreferred by the person who will be consuming the beverage.

The ingredients for mixed drinks are generally classified as eitheralcohol or non-alcohol. These components are typically distributedseparately such that the consumer may select one or more alcoholiccomponents for use with one or more non-alcoholic components to preparethe mixed drink.

Preparing an alcoholic or non-alcoholic mixed drink can be atime-consuming, messy and inconvenient process when a number ofcontainers, ingredients and implements are used. It may also bedifficult to accurately mix each of the ingredients such that the mixeddrink has a flavor that is typically associated with that particularmixed drink. Additionally, liquid may be easily spilled while beingpoured, which then requires the spilled liquids to be cleaned up.

It is customary to serve different types of drinks in glasses havingdifferent shapes. For example, glasses used to serve daiquiris aretypically shaped differently than glasses used to serve margaritas. Assuch, it is typically necessary to maintain a stock of glasses that aresuited for use in conjunction with a variety of mixed drinks.

Various products have been developed that include two compartments thatmaintain the beverage components separate prior to consumption. Incertain configurations, the barrier between the two compartments issevered to cause the components to be mixed together.

Another configuration includes an upper chamber may be discarded so thatthe consumer may drink out of the lower chamber is discussed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,779,372 and 4,634,004. Yet another configuration uses astraw that is inserted into the upper part of the container, such as isdiscussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,408,690 and 5,772,017.

Methods of packaging and preparing mixed drinks such as thedual-chambered containers described above suffer a number of drawbacks,such as the fact that the packaging tends to be complex, expensive, andtypically not reusable or recyclable. In addition, the consumer's choiceof mixing ingredients is limited by the combinations that are packagedand sold together.

Additionally, when a dual-chambered container is used, the contents arenot guaranteed to mix together adequately when the ingredient in theupper chamber merely falls down into the liquid in the lower chamber.When the upper chamber is not removable, the opening in the top of thecontainer may be too small to add ice cubes or crushed ice, which cancontribute substantially to the appeal of the mixed drink.

Thus, there is a need for a method of packaging and preparing a mixeddrink that offers simplicity, low expense, ease of use, a minimum ofimplements for preparing the drink, and flexibility and appeal to theconsumer who wishes to add his or her preferred mixing base, such asliquor or a non-alcoholic beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a beverage packagingsystem that includes a plurality of beverage containers and a beveragecontainer package. The plurality of beverage containers each include areceptacle, a first beverage portion and a sealing lid. The firstbeverage portion is placed in the receptacle. The sealing lid releasablyengages the receptacle to retain the first beverage portion in thereceptacle.

The beverage container package includes a first side panel, a secondside panel, a top panel and a first intermediate panel. The top panelextends between the first side panel and the second side panel. Thefirst intermediate panel extends between the first side panel and thesecond side panel.

The first intermediate panel is in a spaced-apart relationship withrespect to the top panel. The first intermediate panel has a pluralityof first apertures formed therein. Each of the first apertures isadapted to receive one of the beverage containers.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a beverage packagingsystem that includes a plurality of beverage containers and a beveragecontainer package. The plurality of beverage containers each include areceptacle, a first beverage portion and a sealing lid. The firstbeverage portion is placed in the receptacle. The sealing lid releasablyengages the receptacle to retain the first beverage portion therein.

The beverage container package includes a first side panel, a secondside panel, a top panel, a bottom panel and an intermediate panel. Thetop panel extends between the first side panel and the second sidepanel. The bottom panel extends between the first side panel and thesecond side panel. The intermediate panel extends between the first sidepanel and the second side panel intermediate the top panel and thebottom panel. The intermediate panel has a plurality of apertures formedtherein. Each of the apertures is adapted to receive one of the beveragecontainers.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of packagingbeverages. A plurality of beverage containers is provided. Each of thebeverage containers includes a receptacle, a first beverage portion anda sealing lid. The first beverage portion is placed in the receptacle.The sealing lid releasably engages the receptacle to retain the firstbeverage portion in the receptacle.

A beverage container package is provided that includes a first sidepanel, a second side panel, a top panel and a first intermediate panel.The first side panel and the second side panel each have an upper edgeand a lower edge. The top panel extends between the first side panel andthe second side panel. The first intermediate panel extends between thefirst side panel and the second side panel. The first intermediate panelis in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the top panel. Thefirst intermediate panel has a plurality of first apertures formedtherein.

One of the plurality of beverage containers is placed in each of thefirst apertures. Each of the plurality of beverage containers issupported so that lower edges of the beverage containers are above thelower edges of the first and second side panels and upper edges of thebeverage containers are below the upper edges of the first and secondside panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments andtogether with the description serve to explain principles ofembodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages ofembodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understoodby reference to the following detailed description. The elements of thedrawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Likereference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a beverage container for use in conjunctionwith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a beverage container for use in conjunctionwith another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a sealing device for use in conjunction with thebeverage container.

FIG. 4 is a side view of removing the sealing device from the beveragecontainer.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pre-packaged beverage containeraccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a beverage container package thatcontains a plurality of the pre-packaged beverage containers, which areillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pre-packaged beverage containeraccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a beverage container package thatcontains a plurality of the pre-packaged beverage containers, which areillustrated in FIG. 7, where the beverage container package includes ahandle portion that is positioned in a retracted position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a packaging system with the handleportion in an extended position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pre-packaged beverage containeraccording to yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a beverage container package thatcontains a plurality of the pre-packaged beverage containers, which areillustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative beverage containerpackage for use in conjunction with the pre-packaged beverage containerof FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a beverage preparationsystem that generally includes a beverage container 10, a beverage mixand a beverage container package 14, as illustrated in the figures.

The beverage preparation system thereby enables a variety of beveragesto be freshly prepared proximate to when it is desired to consume thebeverage. The beverage preparation system also enables the beverages tobe served in the beverage container in which the product is distributed.

The beverage container 10 may take a variety of forms such as thebeverage containers illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of the beveragecontainers 10 includes a receptacle region in which the beverage mix maybe packaged and distributed and in which the beverage prepared from thebeverage mix may be consumed.

An example of one suitable configuration for the beverage container 10is in the shape of a margarita glass, which is illustrated in FIG. 1.Another example of a suitable configuration for the beverage container10 is in the shape of a cocktail glass, which is illustrated in FIG. 2.

The beverage container 10 may be fabricated from a variety of materialsusing the concepts of the invention. Examples of two such suitablematerials are glass and plastic. While the figures illustrate that thebeverage containers 10 are formed from a transparent material, it ispossible to fabricate the beverage containers 10 that are nottransparent. It is also possible to place designs, logos and/ortrademarks on the beverage containers 10.

The beverage container 10 may be formed with a volume that is selectedbased upon a variety of factors. In certain embodiments, when thebeverage container 10 is used in conjunction with preparing margaritas,the volume may be about 230 milliliters. In certain embodiments, whenthe beverage container 10 is used in conjunction with preparingmartinis, the volume may be about 180 milliliters.

To enable the packaging system to be used in conjunction with a varietyof different beverage containers, the beverage containers may be formedwith a height that is approximately equal. The height of the beveragecontainer may be between about 100 millimeters and about 200millimeters. In certain embodiments, the height of the beveragecontainer is between about 140 millimeters and about 160 millimeters.

The beverage containers may also be formed with an upper diameter thatis approximately equal. The upper diameter of the beverage container maybe between about 50 millimeters and about 150 millimeters. In certainembodiments, the upper diameter of the beverage container is betweenabout 100 millimeters and about 130 millimeters.

The beverage container 10 may include at least one indicia 18 thatindicates the volume of the additional ingredient(s) that are intendedto be added to the beverage container 10 when preparing the beverage.Such indicia 18 should be sufficiently visible so that the consumer canreadily appreciate the volume of the additional component that should beadded to the beverage container 10. On the other hand, the indicia 18should be configured to not negatively impact the aesthetic qualities ofthe beverage container 10.

In one such embodiment, the indicia 18 is a line that extends at leastpartially around the beverage container 10. In another embodiment, theindicia 18 is the name of the product that is to be added to thebeverage container 10. Depending on the size of the beverage container10, the name of the product may be repeated several times around thebeverage container 10.

In one embodiment, the non-alcoholic portion of the beverage may bepackaged in the beverage container 10 and the alcoholic portion of thebeverage may be added to the beverage container 10 when it is desired toconsume the beverage.

In another embodiment, where it is desired to prevent the componentsused in preparing the beverage from mixing together too much such thatwhen the beverage is consumed, the flavors of the components are morereadily ascertainable, one of the components may be packaged separatelyfrom the other components in the beverage container 10.

It is possible for the components that are not distributed mixed in thebeverage container 10 to also be packaged in the beverage packing system14 such that when the beverage packing system 14 is purchased, theconsumer has all of the components that are needed to prepare thebeverage. Alternatively, the consumer may be expected to separatelypurchase one of more of the components that are needed to prepare thebeverage.

In certain embodiments where the alcohol is intended to be used inpreparing the beverage, the beverage container 10 may include aplurality of indicia at different heights that may be used to preparealcoholic beverages having differing concentrations of alcohol.

An upper edge 19 of the beverage container 10 may have a variety ofshapes using the concepts of the invention. However, an upper surface ofthe upper edge may be generally planar to facilitate attaching a sealinglid 20, which is illustrated in FIG. 3, to the beverage container 10.

The sealing lid 20 may be fabricated from a variety of materials usingthe concepts of the invention. In one such configuration, the sealinglid 20 is fabricated from a plastic or foil-backed material. A tab 22may extend from an edge of the sealing lid 20. The tab 22 may be used toassist with removing the sealing lid 20 from the beverage container 10,such as is illustrated in FIG. 4.

The sealing lid 20 may be attached to the upper surface of the beveragecontainer 10 during the manufacturing process. The sealing lid 20 shouldresist separation from the beverage container 10 until the consumerdecides to remove the sealing lid 20 so that the beverage mix does notleak.

It is also possible to fabricate the seal between the sealing lid 20 andthe beverage container 10 to be tamper-evident such that consumers canbe assured of the purity of the beverage mix. A variety of techniquesmay be used to create the tamper-evident seal.

One suitable technique for attaching the sealing lid 20 to the beveragecontainer 10 is an adhesive. Another technique that may be used toattach the sealing lid 20 to the beverage container 10 is a threadmechanism that includes mating thread surfaces on the sealing lid 20 andthe beverage container.

The invention also includes a beverage container package 14 that enablesa plurality of the beverage containers 10 to be marketed as a unit. Thebeverage container package 14 thereby enhances the ability to handle themultiple beverage containers 10 to thereby reduce the potential of thebeverage containers being broken or the beverage mix being spilled.

In certain embodiments, the beverage container package 14 is suited foruse in conjunction with the beverage container 10 that is conventionallyreferred to as a margarita glass, which is illustrated in FIG. 5. Thebeverage container package 14 only covers a portion of each of thebeverage container 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In this configuration, the beverage container package 14 includes a toppanel 50, a bottom panel 52 and a pair of side panels 54 positioned onat least two sides of the top panel 50 and the bottom panel 52 tothereby interconnect the top panel 50 and the bottom panel 52.

The top panel 50 may be substantially continuous, as illustrated in FIG.6. The top panel 50 thereby enables sets of the beverage containers tobe stacked on top of each other such as for display in a retail store orstorage after purchase.

The bottom panel 52 includes a plurality of apertures 60. Each of theapertures 60 has a diameter that is smaller than a maximum diameter ofthe beverage container 10. The diameter of each of the apertures 60 mayalso be greater than a diameter of a base portion of the beveragecontainer 10.

The beverage container package 14 should have sufficient rigidity toresist bending when the device is lifted. The beverage container package14 should also have sufficient structural integrity so that the toppanel 50 resists breakage when multiple beverage container packages 14are stacked upon each other.

The beverage container package 14 may be formed from a sheet of materialthat is folded to define the top panel 50, the bottom panel 52 and theside panels 54. In other embodiments at least one of the top panel 50,the bottom panel 52 and the side panels 54 are formed separately andthen attached to each other to fabricate the beverage container package14.

A variety of materials may be used to fabricate the beverage containerpackage 14 depending upon factors such as the shape and size of thebeverage containers 10. In one such configuration, cardboard is used tofabricate the beverage container package 14. The cardboard may befabricated with or without corrugations.

In another configuration of the beverage container package 114 that issuited for use in conjunction with the beverage container 110 that isconventionally referred to as a cocktail glass and which is illustratedin FIG. 7, the beverage container package 114 includes a top panel 150,a bottom panel 152 and a pair of side panels 154 positioned on at leasttwo sides of the top panel 150 and the bottom panel 152 to therebyinterconnect the top panel 150 and the bottom panel 152, as illustratedin FIG. 8.

The configuration of the beverage container package 114 may also includean intermediate panel 60 that is positioned between the top panel 150and the bottom panel 152 and which extends between the side panels 154.While not illustrated, the intermediate panel 160 includes a pluralityof apertures that are similar to the apertures 60 formed in the beveragecontainer package 14 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The side panels 154 may be formed with a height that is greater than aheight of the beverage container 110 and the intermediate panel 160 maybe positioned to support the lower surface of the beverage container 110above lower edges of the side panels 154 and above the bottom panel 152.This configuration positions the upper surface of the beverage container110 below upper edges of the side panels 154 and below the top panel150.

Using this configuration minimizes that forces placed on the beveragecontainer package 114 during the stacking process will be transferred tothe beverage containers 110 that are stored in the beverage containerpackage 114 to thereby reduce the potential of the beverage containers110 being damaged during the shipping and distribution process.

In other embodiments, the lower surface of the beverage container 110 isin contact with the bottom panel 152 and the upper surface of thebeverage container 110 is in contact with the top panel 150. Using thisconfiguration, the beverage container and the beverage container package114 contribute to support when the packages are placed in a stackedconfiguration.

This configuration of the beverage container package 114 substantiallyencloses a plurality of beverage containers 110. While it is illustratedthat opposite ends of the beverage container package 114 are open, it ispossible to include end panels on the beverage container package 114.

To enhance the ability to carry the beverage container package 114, atleast one handle 170 is provided on the beverage container package 114.The at least one handle 170 may be cut from the same material that isused to fabricate the other portions of the beverage container package114.

The at least one handle 170 may be positioned in a retracted position,which is illustrated in FIG. 8. When in the retracted position, the atleast one handle 170 may be substantially aligned with the outer surfaceof the beverage container package 114.

The at least one handle 170 may be moved to the extended position, whichis illustrated in FIG. 9. When the at least one handle 170 is in theextended position, an opening 172 is provided through which a person canextend a portion of his/her hand to grasp the handle 170.

In another configuration of the beverage container package 214 that issuited for use in conjunction with the beverage container 210 that isconventionally referred to as a pint glass and which is illustrated inFIG. 10, the beverage container package 214 includes a top panel 250, abottom panel 252 and a pair of side panels 254 positioned on at leasttwo sides of the top panel 250 and the bottom panel 252 to therebyinterconnect the top panel 250 and the bottom panel 252, as illustratedin FIG. 11.

This configuration of the beverage container package 214 is particularlysuited for use in conjunction with the beverage container 10 having theshape of a beverage container having a generally cylindrical shape or agenerally cylindrical but tapered shape where a diameter of the upperend is larger than a diameter at the lower end.

The configuration of the beverage container package 214 may also includean intermediate panel 260 that is positioned between the top panel 250and the bottom panel 252 and which extends between the side panels 254.

The intermediate panel 260 includes a plurality of apertures 270 thatare similar to the apertures 60 formed in the beverage container package14 illustrated in FIG. 6. In particular, the apertures 270 have a shapeand size that generally conforms to a shape and size of the beveragecontainer 210 proximate to where the intermediate panel 260 ispositioned.

This configuration of the beverage container package 214 substantiallyencloses a plurality of beverage containers 210. While it is illustratedthat opposite ends of the beverage container package 214 are open, it ispossible to include end panels on the beverage container package 214.

To enhance the ability to carry the beverage container package 14, atleast one aperture 280 may be provided in the beverage container package214. While it is illustrated that the at least one aperture 280 isformed in the top panel 250, it is possible for the at least oneaperture 280 to be formed in the bottom panel 252 or the side panels254.

The at least one aperture 280 may have a diameter that is sufficientlylarge so that a person can extend his/her finger into the aperture 280when it is desired to lift the beverage container package 214.

Another configuration of the beverage container package 314 isillustrated in FIG. 12. This configuration is similar to the beveragecontainer package 214 illustrated in FIG. 11 except that instead of thebeverage containers 210 being placed in two rows that are adjacent toeach other, the beverage containers 310 are placed into two rows thatare stacked upon each other.

The packaging system may include at least one cutout 316 on a surfacethereof. In certain embodiments, at least one of the side panels 354 orthe top panel 350 may include the at least one cutout 316 to enablepotential customers to see the color of the beverage packaged in thebeverage container 310.

The at least one cutout 316 can be formed with a shape that generallyconforms to the shape of the beverage container 310 to enhance theability to view the contents of the beverage container 310. In certainembodiments, at least one of a height and a width of the at least onecutout 316 are less than the height and the width of the beveragecontainer 310. The at least one cutout should be formed with a heightand a width and be positioned on the beverage container 310 so not as tonegatively impact the structural integrity of the beverage container310.

A method of packaging a mixed drink according to the present inventionthus includes pre-packaging a flavorful and/or colorful, pre-measuredingredient or mixture of ingredients into a beverage container that ismarketed and sold with extra head-space for the consumer to add alcohol,ice or other ingredients if desired. The beverage container is evensuitable for use as a drinking vessel.

The invention therefore provides a method of packaging the ingredientsthat are desired for a mixed drink, to which ice may be added.Alternatively, the method of packaging provides all the ingredients formaking a mixed drink recipe except for alcohol, which may be added asdesired by the preparer or consumer.

The package may be marked and/or labeled to indicate that additionalingredients may be added to the contents, such as ice or alcohol, andoptionally some other beverage and/or garnish, to customize the drinkaccording to the consumer's taste.

Because the mixture can be combined and consumed, the number ofcontainers and implements that are needed to make the mixed drink issubstantially reduced, thus minimizing the time, effort andinconvenience that are associated with prior art methods of packagingthe ingredients for mixed beverages. The ease and enjoyment ofselecting, preparing, serving and consuming a mixed drink that ispackaged according to the inventive method are thereby enhanced.

When it is desired to consume the beverage, the partially filledbeverage container 10 is opened by removing the sealing lid 20. Whateveradditional components desired by the consumer are then added to thebeverage container 10 and the components are mixed together to providethe finished beverage. The consumer may drink directly out of thebeverage container 10.

The invention thereby eliminates the need for separate implements to beused for measuring the components used in preparing the beverage. Thus,the process of preparing the beverage is greatly simplified, because thestorage, transport, set-up and clean-up of additional ingredients,containers and implements are virtually eliminated.

Examples of beverages that may be prepared using the invention includeLong Island ice tea, cosmopolitan, strawberry daiquiri, mojito,appletini, classic margarita, whiskey sour, blood orange martini, peachbellini and pina colada.

Depending on the beverage that is desired to be prepared, differentingredients may be used to prepare the beverage mix. For example, whenthe beverage mix is intended to be used in preparing margaritas, thebeverage mix may include water, at least one sweetener and at least oneflavoring agent.

A variety of compositions may be used for the at least one sweetener.The compositions may be naturally or artificially derived. An example ofcompositions that may be used as the at least one sweetener includesugar and aspartame.

A variety of compositions may be used for the at least one flavoringagent. The compositions may be naturally or artificially derived. Anexample of compositions that may be used as the at least one flavoringagent include citric acid and lemon juice concentrates.

The beverage mix may also include at least one coloring agent. Thecoloring agent may be naturally derived or artificially derived. Anexample of one such suitable coloring agent is FD&C blue #1.

Depending on the ingredients used in fabricating the beverage mix andthe anticipated length of time between when the beverage mix is preparedand consumed, it may be desirable to add at least one preservative tothe beverage mix. Examples of suitable preservatives include sodiumbenzoate and potassium sorbate.

Depending on the type of beverage being prepared, it is possible foradditional ingredients to be added to the beverage container prior tothe beverage being consumed. Examples of the additional ingredientsinclude ice cubes/chips, olives and slices of fruit.

Such additional ingredients may be distributed with the invention. Forexample, in certain embodiments, a container of olives is distributedwith the product. The container of olives may be sufficiently large sothat the container contains at least one olive that may be placed ineach of the beverage container. However, the container may besufficiently small so that an excess amount of olives is not included inthe package.

An example of another product that may be distributed with the inventionis ground salt or sugar that is intended to be placed on the rim of theglass when the beverage is prepared for consumption.

The invention may also include at least one additional container (notshown) of alcohol that may be used in conjunction with the beverage mixcontained in the beverage container 10 when preparing the beverage. Incertain embodiments, the at least one additional container attached tothe beverage container package. In other embodiments, the at least oneadditional container is placed adjacent to or proximate

In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used withreference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Becausecomponents of embodiments can be positioned in a number of differentorientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes ofillustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thepreceding detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims.

It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as wellas those described in the above applications incorporated by reference,can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various othermodifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

1. A beverage packaging system comprising: a plurality of beveragecontainers that each comprise: a receptacle; a first beverage portionplaced in the receptacle; and a sealing lid that releasably engages thereceptacle to retain the first beverage portion in the receptacle; and abeverage container package comprising: a first side panel; a second sidepanel; a top panel that extends between the first side panel and thesecond side panel; and a first intermediate panel that extends betweenthe first side panel and the second side panel, wherein the firstintermediate panel is in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to thetop panel, wherein the first intermediate panel has a plurality of firstapertures formed therein and wherein each of the first apertures isadapted to receive one of the beverage containers.
 2. The beveragepackaging system of claim 1, wherein each of the beverage containershave a maximum diameter, wherein the plurality of apertures each have adiameter that is less than the maximum diameter.
 3. The beveragepackaging system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate panel supports theplurality of beverage containers so that upper edges of the plurality ofbeverage containers are lower than upper edges of the first side paneland the second side panel and wherein lower edges of the plurality ofbeverage containers are higher than lower edges of the first side paneland the second side panel.
 4. The beverage packaging system of claim 1,wherein the beverage container package further comprises a handleoperably attached hereto.
 5. The beverage packaging system of claim 1,and further comprising a bottom panel that is attached to the first sidepanel and the second side panel so that the first intermediate panel isbetween the top panel and the bottom panel.
 6. The beverage packingsystem of claim 1, and further comprising a second intermediate panelthat extends between the first side panel and the second side panel,wherein the second intermediate panel is in a spaced-apart relationshipwith respect to the top panel and the first intermediate panel, whereinthe second intermediate panel has a plurality of second apertures formedtherein and wherein each of the second apertures is adapted to receiveone of the beverage containers so that the beverage packing systemincludes two rows of beverage containers.
 7. The beverage packing systemof claim 6, and further comprising: a first bottom wall that extendsbetween the first side panel and the second side panel between the firstintermediate panel and the second intermediate panel; and a secondbottom wall that extends between the first side panel and the secondside panel on a side of the second intermediate panel that is oppositethe first intermediate panel.
 8. The beverage packing system of claim 1,wherein at least one of the first side panel and the second side panelhave an opening formed therein, wherein the opening has a height and awidth and wherein at least one of the opening height is less than aheight of the beverage container and the opening width is less than awidth of the beverage container.
 9. The beverage packaging system ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of beverage containers have atleast one of: a substantially equal height; a substantially equal width;and a similar shape.
 10. The beverage packaging system of claim 1, andfurther comprising indicia on the receptacle to indicate a combinedvolume of the first beverage portion and a second beverage portion thatare placed in the receptacle.
 11. The beverage packaging system of claim10, wherein the first beverage portion comprises at least onenon-alcoholic liquid and the second beverage portion comprises at leastone alcoholic liquid.
 12. A beverage packaging system comprising: aplurality of beverage containers that each comprise: a receptacle; afirst beverage portion placed in the receptacle; and a sealing lid thatreleasably engages the receptacle to retain the first beverage portiontherein; and a beverage container package comprising: a first sidepanel; a second side panel; a top panel that extends between the firstside panel and the second side panel; a bottom panel that extendsbetween the first side panel and the second side panel; and anintermediate panel that extends between the first side panel and thesecond side panel intermediate the top panel and the bottom panel,wherein the intermediate panel has a plurality of apertures formedtherein, wherein each of the apertures is adapted to receive one of thebeverage containers.
 13. The beverage packaging system of claim 12,wherein each of the beverage containers have a maximum diameter, whereinthe plurality of apertures each have a diameter that is less than themaximum diameter.
 14. The beverage packaging system of claim 12, whereinthe intermediate panel supports the plurality of beverage containers sothat upper edges of the plurality of beverage containers are lower thanupper edges of the first side panel and the second side panel andwherein lower edges of the plurality of beverage containers are higherthan lower edges of the first side panel and the second side panel. 15.The beverage packaging system of claim 12, wherein the beveragecontainer package further comprises a handle operably attached hereto.16. The beverage packing system of claim 12, and further comprising asecond intermediate panel that extends between the first side panel andthe second side panel, wherein the second intermediate panel is in aspaced-apart relationship with respect to the top panel and the firstintermediate panel, wherein the second intermediate panel has aplurality of second apertures formed therein and wherein each of thesecond apertures is adapted to receive one of the beverage containers sothat the beverage packing system includes two rows of beveragecontainers.
 17. The beverage packing system of claim 16, and furthercomprising: a first bottom wall that extends between the first sidepanel and the second side panel between the first intermediate panel andthe second intermediate panel; and a second bottom wall that extendsbetween the first side panel and the second side panel on a side of thesecond intermediate panel that is opposite the first intermediate panel.18. The beverage packaging system of claim 12, and further comprisingindicia on the receptacle to indicate a combined volume of the firstbeverage portion and a second beverage portion that are placed in thereceptacle, wherein the first beverage portion comprises at least onenon-alcoholic liquid and the second beverage portion comprises at leastone alcoholic liquid.
 19. A method of packaging beverages comprising:providing a plurality of beverage containers that each comprise areceptacle, a first beverage portion and a sealing lid, wherein thefirst beverage portion is placed in the receptacle and wherein thesealing lid releasably engages the receptacle to retain the firstbeverage portion in the receptacle; providing a beverage containerpackage that comprises a first side panel, a second side panel, a toppanel and a first intermediate panel, wherein the first side panel andthe second side panel each have an upper edge and a lower edge, whereinthe top panel extends between the first side panel and the second sidepanel, wherein the first intermediate panel extends between the firstside panel and the second side panel, wherein the first intermediatepanel is in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the top paneland wherein the first intermediate panel has a plurality of firstapertures formed therein; positioning one of the plurality of beveragecontainers in each of the first apertures; and supporting each of theplurality of beverage containers so that lower edges of the beveragecontainers are above the lower edges of the first and second side panelsand upper edges of the beverage containers are below the upper edges ofthe first and second side panels.
 20. The method of claim 19, andfurther comprising: attaching a second intermediate panel to the firstside panel and the second side panel so that the second intermediatepanel is in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the top paneland the first intermediate panel, wherein the second intermediate panelhas a plurality of second apertures formed therein; attaching a firstbottom wall to the first side panel and the second side panel betweenthe first intermediate panel and the second intermediate panel;attaching a second bottom wall to the first side panel and the secondside panel on a side of the second intermediate panel that is oppositethe first intermediate panel; and positioning one of the plurality ofbeverage containers in each of the second apertures.